Chapter 3

After dinner, Ryan offered to drive me back to collect my things.

We’d barely entered the complex when we ran into Ethan.

Chloe was with him. The moment she saw me, she casually pressed closer to his side.

And, of course, she couldn’t resist a jab. “Lily, long time no see. Is this your new boyfriend?”

Ethan looked up at me, his expression unreadable.

When I offered no explanation, his face darkened. He took Chloe by the arm and walked away.

Watching them go, I felt nothing but boredom.

Still, Ryan had been dragged into it. “Sorry you got caught in the middle,” I said.

He shrugged. “No big deal.”

After seeing Ryan off, I went upstairs and started sorting through my belongings.

I didn’t need to worry about getting into the new place. It had a smart lock, and my fingerprint was already registered.

All I had to do was finish cleaning and buy a few everyday essentials.

I was so absorbed in packing that I didn’t notice Ethan had come home and was watching me.

His expression was grim, and tension radiated off him.

“Whose place are you running off to this time?”

He spoke casually. As far as he was concerned, I was just throwing another childish fit. I’d pretend to run away, then come back begging to reconcile within two days.

That was how he operated. He knew I loved him. He knew I couldn’t live without him. So he played with me however he pleased.

And I was the one who’d taught him he could.

When I didn’t respond, he carelessly tossed a gift box toward me. “Your birthday present. Happy now?”

I glanced at it, put it aside, and quietly thanked him.

I should have been happy. It was a bracelet I’d wanted for a long time. But I no longer cared.

“Something came up yesterday. I dropped the ball. I’ll throw you a birthday party tomorrow to make up for it.”

He’d truly perfected the art of hurting me and then offering a treat.

In his eyes, I wasn’t even a person. I was a pet he kept. Neglect me, toss me a scrap of meat, offer a little affection, and I’d become his loyal dog again.

“Did you close the deal?”

I looked up at him.

He clearly hadn’t expected the question. He froze, then looked annoyed.

“Lily, I’m talking about us. Why are you dragging other things into this?”

Was he using anger to hide his guilt?

I gave a weary smile and let it go. At least until I had everything ready.

“Well, it affects your company.”

I finished organizing what I needed. After all that work, my stomach began protesting.

I picked up my phone and looked at Ethan, who was blocking the doorway. “Move, please.”

“And don’t bother with the birthday party. I have plans tomorrow.”

I stepped around him to leave, but he suddenly grabbed my wrist.

His grip hurt. I frowned at him. “Let go.”

Only then did he seem to realize what he was doing. He quickly released me, a flicker of anxiety crossing his eyes.

“Lily, what are you doing tomorrow? Are you meeting Ryan?”

His voice was cold and accusing, as if he’d already decided I was cheating on him.

What a hypocrite.

Whenever I used to ask where he was out of concern, he would snap, “Will you give it a rest? I need some privacy, okay?”

Now he wanted to know my every move.

I didn’t want Ryan dragged into this, so I explained, “Ryan and I hadn’t caught up in years. We had dinner, and he gave me a ride. That’s all.”

“Isn’t that what you and Chloe do every day?”

He faltered. Maybe it was guilt that made him put on a tough front. “She and I are just friends. Coworkers.”

“Right. Ryan and I have been friends for years, too.”

I opened the door and went out to eat. By the time I came home, Ethan was gone.

Not long after, I saw Chloe’s latest Instagram post.

“When you find a man this wonderful, you have to treasure him.”

The photo showed a drunken Ethan leaning against her shoulder.

I liked it and left a comment. “Perfect match. Make it official already!”